The Audi A8 is the epitome of what a full-size luxury sedan should be. It boasts a spacious, serene interior, elegant and understated styling, a reliable powertrain, and a surprisingly agile chassis. However, it tends to fly under the radar compared to the flashier BMW 7-series and Mercedes-Benz S-class, its main competitors.
Under the hood, the A8 features a 335-hp turbocharged V-6 engine. While it’s smooth and quiet, it doesn’t quite match the power of the turbocharged inline sixes in the BMW and Mercedes, which also come with a 48-volt hybrid assist.
But here’s the kicker: the A8 comes with a base price that’s significantly lower than its European counterparts. Even the most discerning buyers appreciate a good deal when they see one. Plus, the A8’s engine is still robust enough to make the most of its all-wheel-drive system, especially on those long, winding roads.
For those seeking even more dynamic handling, the available all-wheel steering is a fantastic addition. However, if you’re someone who craves the roar of a V-8 and a sharper, sportier chassis, you might want to take a look at the high-performance S8 model, which offers an entirely different driving experience.
What’s New for 2025?
For 2025, the Audi A8 lineup is getting some sleek updates, both in style and features. Here’s what’s new:
- Black Optic Package Enhancements: This package now includes new 21-inch double-spoke wheels with a striking bicolor finish, perfectly matching the black brake calipers and blackout trim.
- Standard Dynamic All-Wheel Steering: Dynamic all-wheel steering is now a standard feature on the luxury package, enhancing the car’s agility and driving experience.
- Expanded Leather Use: The luxury factor gets a boost with leather now covering the top of the dashboard and doors, adding a touch of sophistication to the interior.
- Upgraded Executive Package: The Executive package now comes with Valcona leather, heated rear seats, a head-up display, and HD Matrix-design LED headlights, offering a blend of comfort and advanced technology.
- Long-Wheelbase A8 L Enhancements: The A8 L model now features a standard heated steering wheel and 20-inch bicolor alloy wheels, making long drives even more comfortable.
- Homelink Button Relocation: For added convenience, the Homelink buttons have been moved to the rearview mirror.
- New Exterior Color: A stylish Madeira Brown finish has been added to the color palette, giving buyers more options to customize their A8’s appearance.
These updates ensure that the 2025 Audi A8 continues to deliver luxury, performance, and cutting-edge features in a beautifully designed package.
Pricing and Model Selection
The 2025 Audi A8 starts at $93,295, making it a true luxury sedan with a price to match. Spending a bit more on the extras can really enhance your experience. Here’s what we recommend:
- Black Optic Package: This package is a must-have, featuring high-gloss black exterior trim, black Audi rings and badges, black brake calipers, and new 21-inch 10-spoke wheels with a bi-color finish. Plus, you get massaging front seats, heated armrests, and HD Matrix-design LED headlights.
- Comfort Rear Seat Package: If pampering your rear passengers is a priority, this package includes ventilated and massaging power-adjustable outboard seats, heated rear armrests, and a remote control to keep the entertainment going.
- Executive Package: For those who want top-tier tech and convenience, the Executive package offers adaptive cruise control with lane keeping, a head-up display, and remote parking capabilities.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The 2025 Audi A8 comes with a turbocharged 335-horsepower V-6 engine, enhanced by a 48-volt hybrid system. (For those craving more power, the sportier S8 features a turbocharged V-8 with a whopping 563 horsepower.) An eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive are standard on the A8.
When we tested it, the A8 went from zero to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds, which is just a few tenths slower than the last six-cylinder Mercedes-Benz S500 we reviewed. The Audi’s engine is impressively smooth, partly due to extensive sound-deadening measures. Plus, with all 331 foot-pounds of torque available at just 1370 rpm, you get quick acceleration without having to push the engine hard during normal driving.
Standard features include an adjustable air suspension and adaptive dampers. Like all Audi sedans, the A8 is finely tuned to provide a perfect blend of athleticism and ride comfort, surpassing what you might expect from just looking at the spec sheet.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Copious interior space and passenger comfort are non-negotiable in the full-size luxury sedan segment, and the A8’s long wheelbase ensures that both front and rear-seat passengers are well accommodated. The standard setup is a traditional five-passenger layout, but there’s an optional four-passenger seating package for those who prefer to be chauffeured. This option removes the rear center seat and adds two power-adjustable rear seats with heating, ventilation, massage, and even a heated foot-massage function. Plus, it includes a pair of individual entertainment tablets for a truly luxurious ride.
Keep in mind, though, that this rear seat indulgence reduces the number of power adjustments available for the front passenger. Additionally, the trunk space is a modest 13 cubic feet, which is on the smaller side for a luxury sedan of this size.
Material quality inside the A8 is top-notch, with numerous leather options and an array of wood inlays to choose from. However, similar to the exterior, the interior ambiance is somewhat understated and not as opulent as what you might find in a Mercedes S-class.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The 2025 Audi A8 continues with its sleek dual-screen setup: a 10.1-inch upper display and an 8.6-inch lower touchscreen, both featuring the MMI Touch Response system. While most functions are managed through these touchscreens or the steering wheel controls, Audi has wisely kept a traditional volume knob in the console. This small touch breaks up the otherwise smooth surfaces and gives you a quick, intuitive way to adjust the audio level.
The dual touchscreens can seem a bit overwhelming at first, but they’re responsive and highly customizable. You can set up your own dedicated buttons on the lower screen, while the upper screen features permanent buttons for navigation, weather, phone functions, and radio on the left side. Just be aware that fingerprints can quickly accumulate and are sometimes tough to clean off.
For connectivity, the A8 offers two USB ports up front with both data and charging capabilities. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration are standard, along with Amazon Alexa compatibility. Wi-Fi through Audi Connect Plus is also available. Plus, the 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit instrument cluster, Audi’s signature bright and clear display, comes standard for a premium, tech-forward experience.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The Audi A8 comes equipped with most of the high-end driver-assistance features you’d expect from a luxury sedan. With the optional Traffic Jam Assist (available in the Executive package), the A8 can handle acceleration and braking in heavy traffic, but it’s important to note that you can’t take your hands off the wheel for too long.
For details on the A8’s crash-test performance, be sure to check out the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
Some of the key safety features include:
- Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
- Available adaptive cruise control
These features are designed to keep you safe and confident on the road, adding both convenience and peace of mind to the driving experience.
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
While the Audi A8 is crafted to make you feel exceptional, its warranty coverage is fairly standard for the luxury sedan segment. If you’re looking for more extensive protection, the Genesis G90 offers up to 10 years or 100,000 miles of coverage, along with three years of complimentary maintenance.
The A8’s warranty details are as follows:
- Limited Warranty: Covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain Warranty: Covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Maintenance: No complimentary scheduled maintenance is included
While the A8 doesn’t offer the most generous warranty in its class, its premium features and performance still make it a solid choice.
